THE CREATION OF KAREN DANCE IN SAMUT PRAKARN PROVINCE

Abstract

        This research aims to create a Karen dance in Samut Prakarn Province. The methods include document examination, study of photographs and motion pictures, interviews with experts, leaders of Karen dance troupes, performers, and independent artists, as well as field observations in the Karen community at Tai Ban Subdistrict, Tai Saphan Subdistrict, Muang District, Samut Prakarn Province. The research found that the Karen are an ethnic group that migrated and settled down in Samut Prakarn Province. Ram Tong (a traditional Karen dance) is a folk dance inherited within the community. The creation of the Karen dance in Samut Prakarn consists of six steps. 1) Inspiration – derived from the study of Ram Tong among the Karen in Samut Prakarn. 2) Concept – the performance was divided into three parts. Part 1 represents the way of life and unity of the Karen people. Part 2 conveys the merit-making ceremony on Ok Phansa Day (the end of Buddhist Lent). Part 3 portrays the celebration following Ok Phansa Day. These are presented through creative Thai classical dance. 3) Performer Selection – nine performers were selected based on their Thai dance skills, understanding of Karen culture, and ability to work collaboratively. 4) Music Composition – a fusion of Thai music and Karen traditional instruments, featuring melodies in the Karen language.
5) Choreography – combines movements of Thai classical dance and Ram Tong, with adjusted footwork and body posture. 6) Costume Design – Karen women wear brightly colored handwoven garments such as blue or pink, with shoulder shawls, sarongs, and bead or tassel decorations. Karen men wear short-sleeved handwoven shirts or sleeveless vests with sarongs or plaid cloth wraps. This study, therefore, serves to convey the identity of the Karen people in Samut Prakarn through a structured and creative dance performance.